Let's solve each paragraph and identify the
main idea—the most important point the author is trying to convey. The main idea summarizes the entire paragraph, while supporting details give more information.
---
Paragraph 1:
> I have a dog named Boots. I taught him lots of tricks. When I tell him to, Boots will sit or lie down. He can also wave his paw to greet people. When I say, "Dance, Boots," he will stand up on two legs and walk. I don't know of many dogs that can do such amazing tricks.
Choices:
a. Boots is my dog.
b. Boots can sit.
c. Boots is very smart.
d. Most dogs can't dance.
✔ Correct answer: c. Boots is very smart.
Explanation: While the paragraph mentions that Boots is the speaker’s dog (a), and that he can sit (b), and that most dogs can't dance (d), these are
details. The overall point is that Boots can do many impressive tricks, which shows he is
very smart. This choice best captures the
main idea of the whole paragraph.
---
Paragraph 2:
> Yesterday was my birthday. When I woke up, I noticed my brother Todd hung up a big sign that said, "Happy Birthday, Joey!" Mom made spaghetti for dinner. It's my favorite food in the whole world. My friend Dave came over and handed me a wrapped gift. I wondered what it was. It was a new basketball! I had a great day.
Choices:
a. Todd had a great birthday.
b. Joey had a great birthday.
c. Todd got lots of gifts.
d. Joey got lots of gifts.
✔ Correct answer: b. Joey had a great birthday.
Explanation: The paragraph is written from Joey’s perspective. All events—seeing the sign, eating spaghetti, receiving a gift—are about
Joey’s experience on his birthday. Even though others did things (Todd, Mom, Dave), the focus is on how
Joey enjoyed his birthday. So, “Joey had a great birthday” is the best summary.
---
Paragraph 3:
> Peter’s parents bought a new carpet for the living room. Now, he has to take his shoes off when he enters the house. He’s also not allowed to eat or drink in the living room any more. Peter’s furry dog isn’t allowed to play ball in there either. When his parents got the new carpet, there were lots of new rules.
Choices:
a. Peter cannot go in the living room.
b. Peter’s parents don’t like the carpet.
c. Peter likes to make a mess.
d. Peter’s parents made new rules so the new carpet stays clean.
✔ Correct answer: d. Peter’s parents made new rules so the new carpet stays clean.
Explanation: The paragraph describes several
new rules (shoes off, no eating/drinking, no dog play) all tied to the
new carpet. The reason behind these rules is implied: to keep the carpet clean. Choice (d) best summarizes this cause-and-effect relationship. The other choices are either false (a, b, c) or too narrow.
---
✔ Final Answers:
1.
c. Boots is very smart.
2.
b. Joey had a great birthday.
3.
d. Peter’s parents made new rules so the new carpet stays clean.
These answers reflect the
main idea of each paragraph—the central thought supported by the details.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of main idea worksheet grade 4.
